The Totem Pole: An Intercultural History

May 15, 2010

A seminal work on the Northwest Coast totem pole by two of the most renowned anthropologists in their field.

Totem poles are probably the best-known symbol of First Nations art. Highly regarded anthropologists Aldona Jonaitis andAaron Glassreconstruct the history of totem poles, analyze their functions in different contexts and highlight the ways in which they have been appropriated — spreading from the Northwest Coast to World’s Fairs — and how they play an integral part in Aboriginal peoples’ struggles for control of their own culture and lands.

Solidly researched, engagingly written and generously illustrated, The Totem Poleis an insightful look at the impact of this beautiful art form on Aboriginal peoples and on our society as a whole. It includes short essays by well-known artists and scholars, including Nathan Jackson, Robert Davidson, Susan Point, Richard Hunt, Lyle Wilson, Bill Holm, Robin Wright, Vickie Jensen, Charlotte Townsend-Gault and Andrea Laforet, that illustrate the relationships between people and totem poles.